Question
How detailed can my engraving printing design be?
Answer
Engraving looks sharpest with bold, clean designs. Because the process cuts into the surface, fine detail and subtle tones do not translate the way they do in flat printing, so simple vector artwork wins.
- Keep text at least 6 to 8pt so it stays readable once engraved.
- Avoid fine gradients and photographic images, since engraving cannot reproduce smooth tonal shifts.
- Skip hairline strokes that can break up or disappear at the engraved surface.
- Use solid vector artwork with clear shapes for the crispest result.
| Works well | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Bold vector shapes, solid lines | Photos and fine gradients |
| Text 6 to 8pt or larger | Tiny type and hairline strokes |
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